Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle is a Mediterranean-style estate on a hilltop in San Simeon, California, spanning 127 acres with a twin-towered main building, three guest houses, gardens, fountains, and outdoor pools. The complex sits at an elevation of roughly 1,600 feet (488 meters) above the Pacific Ocean, offering views of the California coastline.

Construction of this estate began in 1919 when newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst commissioned architect Julia Morgan to design his private residence. Work continued for nearly three decades, finally stopping after Hearst's financial decline in the late 1940s.

The estate houses an extensive collection of European art pieces, including Roman mosaics, Gothic ceilings, Egyptian statues, and Renaissance tapestries spread across 177 rooms. Visitors experience the collection during guided tours that show how Hearst combined objects from different eras and continents within his living spaces.

Visitors choose from several guided tours that cover different areas of the estate and require reservations. Tours involve walking paths and stairs, so comfortable footwear is recommended, and duration varies depending on the tour selected.

The Neptune Pool holds roughly 345,000 gallons (1.3 million liters) of water and features facades from ancient Roman temples, Vermont marble, and sculptures from Greece. Hearst had the pool rebuilt three times before he was satisfied with the final appearance.

Location: San Luis Obispo County

Inception: 1919

Architects: Julia Morgan

Architectural style: Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, Mediterranean Revival architecture

Part of: Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument

Website: http://hearstcastle.org

GPS coordinates: 35.68528,-121.16778

Latest update: December 2, 2025 22:38